7 Unexpected Things Tenants Report More Often in December

When temperatures drop and the festive lights come out, the types of maintenance issues tenants report in December tends to take a curious turn. December brings its own rhythm, and at PTL Lettings, we see patterns every year. Some of them are predictable… and some are wonderfully unexpected. In this week’s blog, we’re sharing the quirky issues that crop up more than usual, why they happen, and how landlords and tenants can handle them quickly and calmly. If you currently have a property to rent in Peterborough, these little insights can make December feel far smoother.

1. “My fairy lights have tripped the electrics”

A seasonal classic. Tenants unpack older decorations, plug them all into one overloaded extension lead, and suddenly half the house is in darkness.

Tips landlords can share:

Encourage tenants to check cables before plugging anything in.
Suggest using LED lights – they use less power and stay cooler.
Remind tenants where the fuse board is and how to reset it safely.
If repeated tripping occurs, advise reporting it – it may indicate a deeper issue.

2. “There’s water on the windows… and the walls… and sometimes the furniture”

Condensation always rises in winter, but December brings extra triggers: more cooking, more showers, and more people staying home. Every property management company in Peterborough will usually see reports spike right around Christmas week.

How tenants can stay ahead of it:

Keep a window slightly open when cooking or drying clothes.
Wipe moisture as soon as it appears – small pools turn into mould quickly.
Use lids on pots and pans when possible.
Avoid pushing furniture tightly against cold external walls.

For landlords, providing a dehumidifier or decent extractor fan can save you a lot of patch-up work later.

3. “The outdoor bins are frozen shut!”

When it comes to maintenance issues tenants report in December, this one always raises a smile. Cold snaps turn a simple bin run into an Olympic event.

Simple fixes for tenants:

A quick splash of warm (not boiling) water over the lid helps release it.
Lining the bottom of the bin with newspaper prevents waste freezing to the base.
Reminding tenants of adjusted Christmas collection schedules avoids festive overflow.

4. “My oven won’t heat properly – right before guests arrive!”

December is peak baking season. Ovens that barely get used the rest of the year suddenly face roast dinners, party food, and biscuit marathons.

What landlords can suggest:

Advise tenants to test ovens a few days ahead of hosting.
If the heating element has gone, book repairs promptly – engineers get very busy.
Encourage regular cleaning, as burnt-on grease can affect performance.

This is one issue where a rapid response really pays off. A Christmas meal disaster becomes a glowing Google review if handled well.

5. “There’s a strange noise in the loft”

This is the time of year when wildlife seeks warmth. Birds, squirrels, and the occasional mouse may move into roof spaces.

Helpful guidance:

Ask tenants to note when the noise happens – mornings and evenings can indicate birds, continuous scratching may indicate mice.
Remind them not to block holes themselves.
Arrange for pest control promptly – tenants appreciate quick action, and it protects the property.

6. “The heating is on, but the radiators are cold”

Every December, radiators become the star of the show. From air locks to tired pumps, heating questions soar.

Quick wins tenants can try safely:

Check thermostatic valves are fully open.
Confirm the boiler has pressure.

Anything beyond that? Best left to professionals – which is where PTL Lettings steps in.

7. “Deliveries keep going missing — can you help?”

With online shopping peaking, porch parcels become a surprisingly frequent topic. Tenants often ask for advice on safer delivery alternatives.

Useful suggestions:

Use parcel lockers or pick-up points.
Ask couriers to leave items with a trusted neighbour.
Install a parcel box if the property design allows.

Small changes make tenants feel far safer and better supported.

Why these quirky December issues matter

Behind the humour, these types of maintenance issues tenants report in December are reminders that this month can place extra pressure on rental homes. Being proactive with communication, especially if you have a property to rent in Peterborough, keeps things running smoothly.

Clear guidance helps tenants feel confident, and landlords avoid unnecessary callouts. At PTL Lettings, we find that tenants really appreciate a pre-Christmas message with simple reminders on heating, condensation, and safe use of festive decorations. It reduces maintenance requests and shows a level of care people remember long after the festive season has passed.

What Next?

If you’d like help managing these festive-season quirks, or you have a property to let in Peterborough and want reliable support, get in touch with PTL Lettings today. Call 01733 555183 or email info@ptl-lettings.co.uk for friendly, practical advice.

In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about festive issues for tenants.

FAQs

Why do maintenance calls increase in December?

More time indoors, colder weather, festive cooking, and increased use of electrics all put extra strain on rental properties.

Can landlords charge tenants for damage caused by misuse of decorations?

If damage results from improper use, landlords may recover costs, but communication and fairness go a long way in December.

Is condensation always the tenant’s responsibility?

Not always. Ventilation and lifestyle contribute, but insulation and extraction also matter. A combined approach works best.

Should tenants report minor issues over Christmas?

Yes! Early reporting prevents bigger problems later, especially where heating and electrics are concerned.